Pérez Prado : King of the Mambo

This is the story of how Cuban music captivated the world in the 1950s, told through the life of mambo’s most famous musician, Pérez Prado.

A riveting tour through rich moments in Cuban, Mexican, and American cultural history, this book captures Prado’s colorful life and surprising influence, including his famous hit “Mambo No. 5.” Not only did Prado and his contemporaries ignite an American passion for the thrilling dance music of mambo, but they also played an essential part in early R&B and rock ‘n’ roll. Their influence can even be seen in much popular music of today, from Shakira and Jennifer Lopez to Karol G and Michael Bublé.

Born in Cuba, Prado landed in Mexico City when music and cinema were soaring, starring in classic films of the Cine de Oro and writing for noir musicals in the 1940s and 1950s. He lived in Los Angeles for more than a decade, creating some of his most notable artistic works that earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As Cuban music rose, audiences could not resist the startling horns, percussion, and rhythms of his hits.

Prado had his quirks and an extreme attraction to kitsch. He regularly wore jewels, heavy gold chains, and flamboyant suits and drove a Cadillac with tiger stripe upholstery. This book dives into the story and legacy of this larger-than-life figure.